03/12/2010

The Men of Pike

They came from near and far awayThe men of Pike to work that dayThe afternoon shift way down deepBeneath the mountains oh so steepA long way in but further outThe afternoon shift sets aboutA job not flash but hard and tryingA job that holds the risk of dying

From seventeen to sixty twoThey start their shift to see it throughFor one his first, for all their lastHow could they know there’d be a blast?For all at once no siren whiningSuddenly the worst in miningDust and rubble fill the airA loader driver thrown clearJust one other finds the lightThe rest are hidden from our sight

And so we learn as news is spreadThe news that mining families dreadIt’s up at Pike there’s an explosionFaces drop and hearts are frozenWho, how many, where and why ----Will they make it ---- will they die

Fathers, husbands, brothers, sonsCoasters, Kiwis, Aussies, PomsMates and friends who we are seekingMethane gas from coal seams leakingVents exploded, phones unheededLevel heads and strength are neededThe world above unites as oneTo bring the missing to the sun

Rescue teams are standing byAs holes are drilled and experts tryTo find a way that’s safe and soundTo rescue those beneath the groundCould robots work where men are mortalTo pierce the dangers of that portalBut alas all effort failsThe darkness of the mine prevails

A second blast of rock and thunderHope and prayers are rent asunderA nation weeps and Coasters mournPike falls silent, dark, forlornA hole remains within the groundDevoid of joy, of life, of sound

Another hole within the heartOf those forever set apartFrom those they loved who went to toilDigging coal beneath the soilThose who gave their lives that dayTo work a shift for honest payThey wait at rest within their mineThe men of Pike, the Twenty Nine

Written by Sean Plunket he used to be a journalist/announcer on National Radio.

Our thoughts and sympathy has been with all those involved and touched by this unthinkable disaster. Life is very precious.

This is so true, Fiona, what a lovely tribute passed on from your site. My youngest daughter (Jacqueline) lives on the coast, and spent two long emotional nights up at the Pike River site on Ambulance Duty. They were all praying and hoping for the rescue of these 29 men, but alas it was not to be. I know the hearts and thoughts of us all go out to those left behind/affected by this tradegy. I agree Esther, may they all R.I.P.